What are the normal vitals for an infant under 1 year old?

• A. Age: <1 y/o; HR: 100-160; RR: 30-60; Min BP: >65 systolic (60 if <1 mo. old)
• B. Age: 1-3 y/o; HR: 95-150; RR: 24-40; Min BP: >70 systolic
• C. Age: 3-5 y/o; HR: 80-140; RR: 22-34; Min BP: >75 systolic
• D. Age: 6-12 y/o; HR: 70-120; RR: 18-30; Min BP: >80 systolic

Answer: (A)

Infants under 1 year have higher heart and breathing rates and lower blood pressure compared with older children. For this age, normal vitals are about heart rate 100–160 beats per minute, respiratory rate 30–60 breaths per minute, and a minimum systolic blood pressure greater than 65 mmHg (60 mmHg if the infant is younger than one month). This combination reflects the rapid metabolism and developing cardiovascular system in infancy.

The other age ranges shown have lower heart rates and respiratory rates and higher minimum systolic pressures, which is why those sets of values fit older children rather than an infant.